Beautiful, loving, intelligent wife, mother, grand and great grandmother, she was a prayer warrior and an amazing, brave woman of God. She was an overcomer, and did just that in a medical emergency within a few days, but because of the ageist philosophy in our current medical community, too much was laid upon her. She prayed for those around her who did not comprehend the value of life. God is just and He sees everything.
She was an incredibly artistic individual in our home and community, was civic minded, politically active, and involved in many ministry outreaches throughout her life, the latest one being the “Linus Blanket Project.” She made, by hand, over sixty blankets for children with cancer, and also donated many of her hand-crafted blankets to children who survived Hurricane Harvey in Houston last year. Her traditional values guided her loving heart. She was a gracious lady, and her heart of hospitality led her to minister and reach out to anyone who came to her door, spoke with her on the phone, or met her in public. No matter the event or occasion, she radiated Christ’s love and witness and a genuine and raw outpouring of her spirit.
She was married to the love of her life, Jim Canellis, until his death in 1973, and half-jokingly said she’d remarry again, but only if the Lord sent her a carbon copy of him. She worked in the family printing plant, reared four daughters, was an amazing homemaker, and whatever she put her hand to, she accomplished with excellence.
She was a member of and held office multiple years in Beta Sigma Phi, where her philanthropic work impacted many. She used her beautiful voice to bless our troops during WWII, both in person and on radio, and her deep love of country continued throughout her life. She stayed politically connected, seeking the best for her state and country for the generations to come. Some of her personal highlights included attending Ronald Reagan’s first inauguration, and speaking for the rights of the unborn on the steps of the Capitol. She was a passionate defender of life at every stage. She last voted on August 25th, 2018, in Texas, where she had taken residence with her family there, blessing them with her presence.
Of four daughters, Zoe Diacos Canellis is survived by three. Her beautiful eldest, Georgia Canellis Weigel, predeceased her, as did most of her beloved family, including five siblings.
Living to miss her are her three daughters, Evelyn Fredrickson, Melody Canellis Gillett (Edward), and Deborah Carter (Jay); her nine accomplished, intelligent grandchildren are James Adam Weigel, Lisa Fredrickson Holt Gossett, John Fredrickson, Stephanie Fredrickson Lienhard (Andrew), Ashley Carter Townsend (Brad), Savannah Carter Hill (Matthew), Aaron Carter, Quinton Carter (Courtney), and Lyric Elizabeth Gillett; her four bright and beloved great grandchildren are Kilian Holt, Shawn Townsend, Callie Townsend, and AJ Carter, yet to greet this world.
Many wonderful friends, new and older, were on her lips and in her heart, whether near or far. She spoke two languages, English and Greek, and was involved with a new friend in brushing up on her written Greek over the last year. She was a fun and excellent travel partner, and took many trips with her Houston family, from Alaska to Galveston and to the latest political convention in san Antonio, Texas this summer 2018. If it involved moving about, she was game. She was looking forward to a December trip to Branson, Missouri, where she was willing to brave the snow and the cold for a new adventure.
Her dance into heaven was met with the Savior’s words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” She NEVER stopped speaking about Him to her family, loved ones, and anyone she met. She is now surrounded by her parents, Stavros and Mary Diacos, sisters Evelyn, Connie, and Pansy, brothers Pete and Harry, and many nephews, nieces, aunts, and uncles, who made the family strong, and whom she greatly missed.
She was a gracious, feminine, hospitable servant of The Lord, and knew the meaning of sacrificial love. She did not complain, but was grateful for everything The Lord provided. She loved her children and grandchildren without reservation. She was a joy, a true joy, to spend time with, and was fun, mischief, and laughter, incarnate. She always surprised even those who knew her best with her wit and humor, her intelligence, and the light of her personality.
But for the intervention of the medical system gone awry and the arrogant, mean-mindedness of those who employ it at its worst, Zoe Diacos Canellis would have been here waiting to greet The Savior at His return. Mother, we are all looking up, expectantly waiting, as you knew His return was soon to come.
We rise up and call you Blessed. Thank you for your love and witness throughout your life, and in ours. We miss you.
Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 5pm – 8pm and will resume Saturday at 8am until time of service. Funeral Service will be Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11am with Pastor Laurence White officiating. Burial will follow at Orange Grove Cemetery in Lake Charles.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to: Rock of Israel, 3220 Profit Dr. #1, Fairfield, Ohio 45014; Institute for Creation Research, P.O. Box 59029, Dallas, Texas 75229; Texas Right to Life, 9800 Centre Parkway, Suite #200, Houston, Texas 77036
